In a not-so-distant future, the privileged live within protective walls, and the rest fend for themselves…on the outside.

From a life of relative comfort and safety, Orla is plunged into a struggle for survival. Her newly emerged phasing powers force her to become a fugitive, hunted by government agents, and driven to the edges of society.

In desperation Orla joins a band of smugglers. Their caravan could offer the perfect hiding place, or it could be her undoing. Much of that depends on Charlie, top gunslinger and “teeth’ of the operation. Will he prove to be a valuable ally or just another kind of trouble?

Here is an excerpt for my romantic sci-fi novella, On The Outside, $0.99 for the e-book and $4.99 for the paperback, available from Amazon.

She saw Rej across the way, talking to a tall man in a cowboy hat. It was impossible not to notice the pistol, ammunition, and long knife on the man’s belt. He probably had another one or two blades hidden somewhere. She guessed he was the teeth of the operation.

He was reddish tan, from top to toe. Even his goatee and the leather of his boots were of similar color. They matched the brown stripes running through the wool of his vest and the dusty color of his hat. He reminded her of a desert wolf, only bigger and more dangerous.

The man glanced briefly her way. Then Rej looked over, waving and smiling like they were old friends. She ducked her head, self-conscious. What were they saying? Everyone else was ignoring her, perhaps waiting for a cue from Rej before approaching.

When she looked up again, the man in the cowboy hat was walking over. He was lean and moved with the menacing confidence of a predator, his eyes never leaving her. As he sat down next to Orla, the skin prickled along the back of her neck, and she forgot to breathe.

“My name’s Charlie,” he said, the words unhurried and touched with a slight drawl. “I’m head of security around here, and Rej suggested I make myself known to you. He’d like me to be your special guardian…sort of like a big brother.” He eased back, sliding his elbows along the top of the bench. “You wouldn’t mind that, would you?”

“It’s probably not up to me.” She tried to sound calmer than she felt.

“Probably not,” he agreed, giving a half smile. “Still, it’s not a bad arrangement. I’ll see no harm comes to you. You got a problem or concern, just come to me, and I’ll sort it out. That clear?

“Sure.” She had to fight the urge to slide farther down the bench, away from him. Trust Rej to appoint her own personal guard.

“You’re about as nervous as a jackrabbit,” Charlie observed, studying her.

“Everything’s still new. I’m not used to it, yet.” The excuse was lame, but she wouldn’t admit to being afraid of him.

“Well, just remember I’m here, if you have need.” He reached over and patted her shoulder.

Orla jumped before she could stop herself. She saw Charlie’s mouth twitch, but he made no comment. He stood, slow and easy, the same way he talked, then he tipped his hat to her.

“See you round camp, Jackrabbit.”

Orla nodded then focused intently on her stew, trying to ignore Charlie. He stood there a moment longer, silent. She could feel his eyes on her, but she refused to look up. Finally he turned and walked away.

She set the stew down, no longer interested in eating. Her stomach tied itself in knots, and her legs felt shaky. The situation, here, was going to be tricky. There was no point pretending otherwise. As much as she wished for things to be safe and simple, they weren’t. She was a fly, barely escaping the flyswatter, only to land in a great sticky spider web.

Thank goodness these spiders don’t want to eat me. They just want me to phase and steal for them. Easy as that…ha. She thought of Charlie and shivered. At least, I hope they don’t want me for dinner.

For more information about my other books, or to see reviews, and book trailers, visit my website at DIANAGREENBOOKS.COM